South Berwick candidates share views on library, traffic and state aid cutbacks

Thursday

Oct 29, 2009 at 2:00 AM

1. Do you support the library project?

Age: 60

Occupation: Retired letter carrier

Education: Bachelor's degree, University of Maine, Orono

Family: Married to Norman Fortier for 39 years; one son, grandson

1. Do you support the library project?

The citizens have invested $1 million for a new library building while continuing to fund the library operations at over $100,000 annually. Their level of frustration is very high: Some citizens want a larger library building, some expected the new library would already be built. The town bought St. Michael's church to be used as the town library. It is time to start insulating and preparing the church for the library to move into. Selling the rectory on its lot would provide funds for the needed renovations while also returning a valuable piece of real estate to the tax rolls. Further funds have already been committed to the project from the sale of the Day property. Any additions could be made on the "altar" end of the church at a later time.

2. What should be the town's role, if any, in reducing congestion in downtown South Berwick during the morning and evening commute?

Two major highway routes pass through downtown. A traffic light at the intersection of Portland and Main would provide an even flow of traffic in all directions. Main Street traffic has the right of way, causing the equally busy Portland Street to back up. A traffic light would also slow traffic downtown. Right now, drivers must concentrate on "getting through" as quickly as they can. The state has presented proposals for the intersection at www.smppc.org/transportation/otherplanning/sbf/southberwick.htm.

3. How do you propose to deal with looming state cutbacks?

Citizen frustration with government at the state level is reflected in the TABOR referendum. TABOR would set a tax cap on the state. Any spending beyond that limit would have to be approved by a statewide referendum item by item, much like a town meeting. This sounds like a good idea, but it is much less workable at the state level. For example, there are many bridges and overpasses in the state that need repair. Because we will be paying for the state's budget shortfall, we must be absolutely Spartan in our local spending for the next two years. I think the citizens of South Berwick are up to the task provided they are not stripped of their veto power by the proposed charter change.

4. What should South Berwick look like in 10 years?

Many tourists visit South Berwick annually. The Jewett House and the Hamilton house draw visitors from all over the world. Spring Hill and the Outlook host events, which involve overnight stays. Recently, cyclists, hikers and paddlers have discovered our beautiful town. Where do these folks eat and stay when they are here? There is an economic opportunity here. The tourist/recreation avenue may be something that could take the resources we already have and "turn a buck" on it. The hospitality "industry" is clean and compatible with our community. We must constantly be on the lookout for more sources of revenue for the town.

5. Why should people vote for you?

My views of how the local government should operate are not unique to me. Many people have expressed these same views and yet do not have the time or inclination to become actively involved in local affairs. They are "pooped out" when they get home from work. I walked in those same shoes for over 30 years and understand their frustration. Now I have the time to actively participate in the Town Council and would like to see our point of view represented.

Age: 55

Occupation: Night auditor, Hilton Garden Inn

Education: Bachelor's degree in education

Elected/appointed positions held: Town treasurer, four years

Family: Married to Paul Brisson, four children, five grandchildren

1. Do you support the library project?

I do support the library project, and feel that the community should bear part of the responsibility for its funding. In these difficult economic times, we need to find ways to ease the burden on the taxpayers. We should investigate grant possibilities and every possible means of fund-raising. The work should progress in phases and at each point determine if the town's needs are being met.

2. What should be the town's role, if any, in reducing congestion in downtown South Berwick during the morning and evening commute?

The traffic congestion in the center of town is a concern. However, it is not a constant problem at every hour. Our traffic control officers are effective in managing a smooth flow at times when traffic is heaviest. I am not in favor of having a traffic signal installed. I do support utilizing our traffic control officers as they are.

3. How do you propose to deal with looming state cutbacks?

The cuts in state aid to towns are going to create a difficult situation for us. First of all, let's not make the situation worse by cutting off sources of revenue from excise and sales taxes as proposed by referendum Question 2. We then need to make difficult decisions about where the shortfall will be made up. The proposal to tuition in students from nearby communities should be investigated. I would like the tax rate to stay as close as possible to current levels, so that means we will have to be more efficient in spending the funds we do have. Pooling services and resources with other communities, eliminating inefficiency and redundancy in our current spending and putting off new projects and purchases until such time that the economic situation improves.

4. What should South Berwick look like in 10 years?

My hope for South Berwick is that it retains its small town, comfortable feel. I think people generally feel safe and supported. There are always improvements that can be made and we should strive to do so. But let's not lose what makes this such a great community. We are served by a very good school system and have wonderful natural historical and social resources. By careful and intelligent planning, we can keep what is good about our town but encourage and support businesses that will create a broader tax base.

5. Why should people vote for you?

People should vote for me if they want someone who will listen to their concerns and make decisions based on the greater good. I have lived in town for many years now and have grown to love what it has to offer. I want to offer my service because I know I can make a difference. I will walk, talk and listen to anyone and have an open mind. I encourage all of our citizens to be sure to vote on Nov. 3.

Age: 18

Occupation: Part-time employee, Ralph Lauren in Kittery

Education: Senior at Marshwood High School

1. Do you support the library project?

I agree the town of South Berwick needs a new library, but we need to find the funding other than from the public. As a town grows, a library is an essential piece that promotes education and intellect. At this time, it would be in the town's best interest not to go in a direction that would involve public funding; fund-raisers and donations would be a better alternatives along with the selling of the rectory. Selling of the rectory would create funds for the project.

2. What should be the town's role, if any, in reducing congestion in downtown South Berwick during the morning and evening commute?

Traffic will continue to increase. Therefore, a streetlight will be essential to meet the demands. Though it would eliminate a few parking spots, it would simplify the situation and evenly distribute the traffic. The two municipal parking lots could be promoted and fill the void of those lost parking spots.

3. How do you propose to deal with looming state cutbacks?

With a budget crisis in our hands, we need to be careful of spending and really look at ways to cut back. I propose five to 10 furlough days for all non-essential town employees. Doing this would save the town thousands of dollars and is a widely accepted way of "cutting back." The state of Maine approved 20 furlough days, saving nearly $14 million. Now is the time to be going over the budget with a fine-tooth comb.

4. What should South Berwick look like in 10 years?

Ten years from now, I foresee South Berwick taking small steps in small industrialization to ease taxes on citizens. With industry will come a fast-growing economy with all local businesses thriving.

5. Why should people vote for you?

Citizens should vote for me because I believe I will accomplish the most, while incorporating the whole town in local government. It takes more than a town council for a town to succeed. The voice of the citizen is the most important thing in this election, and as of right now, we have a council that won't listen to the people and it's starting to reflect on the town. I will bring energy and excitement along with the roughly 7,000 citizens to the table.

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